Looking for a 650S (Spider or Coupe)
Discussion
Hello everyone, I introduce myself I am French and new to the forum and the McLaren universe. I owned an R8 V10 Plus MkII and would like to switch to McLaren from now on. So I am looking for a 650S Coupe or Spider and I need you to help me. I have always owned coupes (I often prefer the line) but here I must say that the Spider appeals to me quite a bit. I would like to hear your opinion between the Coupe and the Spider if you had to choose (pros and cons).
About the rims, in my purchase I would like to know the price of this set of rims which for me totally changes the look of the car:
Most of the models are fitted with the other rims which I personally find less sexy.
And obviously being new, if some known issues with the 650S were listed I would be happy to hear about them. Thank you all in advance for your answers 🙏
About the rims, in my purchase I would like to know the price of this set of rims which for me totally changes the look of the car:
Most of the models are fitted with the other rims which I personally find less sexy.
And obviously being new, if some known issues with the 650S were listed I would be happy to hear about them. Thank you all in advance for your answers 🙏
There are no cons with the spider, one of the pros is the rear window drops down and allows the noise to better reach the cabin. There is also some storage in the buttresses together with a couple of special bags to store items in.
Coupes are ultra rare, and it could be said they look better.
Edited to add, I had the 10 spoke lightweight wheels (diamond cut) on mine.
They are available occasionally on the used mkt, there was a set a couple months ago for £2,500
https://www.facebook.com/groups/754310914763056/pe...
Coupes are ultra rare, and it could be said they look better.
Edited to add, I had the 10 spoke lightweight wheels (diamond cut) on mine.
They are available occasionally on the used mkt, there was a set a couple months ago for £2,500
https://www.facebook.com/groups/754310914763056/pe...
Edited by Wilmslowboy on Saturday 16th January 19:22
That is exactly the switch I made, R8 Plus to 650s Spider.
I bought a new set of original un-used McLaren wheels for £1,300, then had them painted gold for £360, because I have no taste.
I’d recommend looking at the very well respected independent dealers, of which there are a few.
I bought from Alastair Bols, who has a good name, but can’t make any claims beyond me being very happy with the experience.
I bought a new set of original un-used McLaren wheels for £1,300, then had them painted gold for £360, because I have no taste.
I’d recommend looking at the very well respected independent dealers, of which there are a few.
I bought from Alastair Bols, who has a good name, but can’t make any claims beyond me being very happy with the experience.
Wilmslowboy said:
There are no cons with the spider, one of the pros is the rear window drops down and allows the noise to better reach the cabin. There is also some storage in the buttresses together with a couple of special bags to store items in.
Coupes are ultra rare, and it could be said they look better.
Edited to add, I had the 10 spoke lightweight wheels (diamond cut) on mine.
They are available occasionally on the used mkt, there was a set a couple months ago for £2,500
Thanks for your feedback. Exactly what I think about the Coupe the line looks a bit better. And I don't think the Spider's extra weight over 650hp is felt in the wheel. Coupes are ultra rare, and it could be said they look better.
Edited to add, I had the 10 spoke lightweight wheels (diamond cut) on mine.
They are available occasionally on the used mkt, there was a set a couple months ago for £2,500
Edited by Wilmslowboy on Saturday 16th January 19:22
Thank you for the group link, but it seems closed for non-owners I still made a request.
I have never had a Spider and I tell myself that the sensations must be increased tenfold once the roof is down compared to the Coupe version.
I own a 650s spider in volcano yellow
Spiders are apparently more popular, slightly more expensive (20k originally but now more like 5-8k). Searching autotrader today there were 8 spiders and 7 coupes for sale despite higher production and demand of spiders (80%?). But if you prefer the coupe shape... your £, your choice. Buy what makes you happy.
Wheels. I also preferred the look of the 10? Spoke lightweights. They seem mostly on later, higher spec examples.
I waited (had to wait) several months to find the colour, spec and warranty history I wanted.
Probably more important should be mac or Thorney warranty, known history, spec, colour etc to consider.
I havent driven a coupe. I am sure they are great but I was only ever considering a spider in orange, yellow, or blue as my main desired options. Sports or MSO/Larini Exhaust, carbon, lift and rear camera are most prized for resale but not what everyone desires.
Your biggest challenge may just be the availability at the right price. I monitored what sold and at what price. I missed two. So I knew roughly what I would have to pay and for what year, colour, spec options.
Whichever, coupe or spider you wont regret. Unless you buy a "cheap" unwarranted "lemon". Insist on an independent Thorney inspection if no warranty! But for me, top down or rear window down with roof up cannot be beaten. I know the v10 of the later R8s is excellent, and a v8 turbo will definitely sound different, but I have no regrets. I try to drive mine as often as possible, roof down
. Its a genuine daily driver, no garage. Just a cover.
Good luck hunting
Spiders are apparently more popular, slightly more expensive (20k originally but now more like 5-8k). Searching autotrader today there were 8 spiders and 7 coupes for sale despite higher production and demand of spiders (80%?). But if you prefer the coupe shape... your £, your choice. Buy what makes you happy.
Wheels. I also preferred the look of the 10? Spoke lightweights. They seem mostly on later, higher spec examples.
I waited (had to wait) several months to find the colour, spec and warranty history I wanted.
Probably more important should be mac or Thorney warranty, known history, spec, colour etc to consider.
I havent driven a coupe. I am sure they are great but I was only ever considering a spider in orange, yellow, or blue as my main desired options. Sports or MSO/Larini Exhaust, carbon, lift and rear camera are most prized for resale but not what everyone desires.
Your biggest challenge may just be the availability at the right price. I monitored what sold and at what price. I missed two. So I knew roughly what I would have to pay and for what year, colour, spec options.
Whichever, coupe or spider you wont regret. Unless you buy a "cheap" unwarranted "lemon". Insist on an independent Thorney inspection if no warranty! But for me, top down or rear window down with roof up cannot be beaten. I know the v10 of the later R8s is excellent, and a v8 turbo will definitely sound different, but I have no regrets. I try to drive mine as often as possible, roof down
. Its a genuine daily driver, no garage. Just a cover.Good luck hunting
PS
If you want detailed independent information concerning issues, reliability, cost of repairs, this is a useful source. Dont necessarily believe all the internet negativity.
https://youtu.be/92MItt_DEys
Youtube : "Thorney 5 million miles in McLarens"
NB McLaren warranty are expensive, around 3.5k annually rising to 5k annually after 5 years(!), Thorney just under 3k so cheaper for older cars. Plus 800-1200 for annual services. Many "self insure", placing around 3k/year into a savings account.
Dont forget, all supercars are (can be) very expensive to maintain! "Super" refers to their cost as well as their joy!
However, the 650s in my view is the best supercar fun for money around.
If you want detailed independent information concerning issues, reliability, cost of repairs, this is a useful source. Dont necessarily believe all the internet negativity.
https://youtu.be/92MItt_DEys
Youtube : "Thorney 5 million miles in McLarens"
NB McLaren warranty are expensive, around 3.5k annually rising to 5k annually after 5 years(!), Thorney just under 3k so cheaper for older cars. Plus 800-1200 for annual services. Many "self insure", placing around 3k/year into a savings account.
Dont forget, all supercars are (can be) very expensive to maintain! "Super" refers to their cost as well as their joy!
However, the 650s in my view is the best supercar fun for money around.
Edited by djangoW on Sunday 17th January 10:30
Wilmslowboy said:
There are no cons with the spider, one of the pros is the rear window drops down and allows the noise to better reach the cabin. There is also some storage in the buttresses together with a couple of special bags to store items in.
Coupes are ultra rare, and it could be said they look better.
Edited to add, I had the 10 spoke lightweight wheels (diamond cut) on mine.
They are available occasionally on the used mkt, there was a set a couple months ago for £2,500
https://www.facebook.com/groups/754310914763056/pe...
M
Coupes are ultra rare, and it could be said they look better.
Edited to add, I had the 10 spoke lightweight wheels (diamond cut) on mine.
They are available occasionally on the used mkt, there was a set a couple months ago for £2,500
https://www.facebook.com/groups/754310914763056/pe...
M
Edited by Wilmslowboy on Saturday 16th January 19:22
A lot of people don't like diamond cut wheels but I am a fan.
The loved how they complimented the VO on my 650.
+1 for the rear window. I don’t think I would have bought a coupe just because the sound in the car when everything is closed is too industrial. With the rear window, or the top down, you bring in the snarling howl.
While some think the coupe will hold value better, these are not really special edition or super rare cars, and I think the prices will follow popularity, which gives the edge to the spider.
Look for one with sports exhaust, technology package including lift. I preferred one without exterior carbon as I didn’t want to worry about cosmetic damage.
While some think the coupe will hold value better, these are not really special edition or super rare cars, and I think the prices will follow popularity, which gives the edge to the spider.
Look for one with sports exhaust, technology package including lift. I preferred one without exterior carbon as I didn’t want to worry about cosmetic damage.
Thank you all for your feedback ! The real bonus of the Spider is really this rear window which allows you to hear the engine in any season! As for the odds, the Spiders are always more expensive in France. So for the moment with what I read here and there, I opt more for a Spider. I continue my research 🙏
Hi. I’m in the process of acquiring a really nice 650s Spider which will be heading up to Central Scotland in the next few days, so have been through your current decision process. I’d previously sold a concours RS3100 Ford Capri to help make this purchase a reality.
I’ve seen quite a few 650s spiders for sale and can also recommend a really nice volcano red one which is being sold for another member on here. The owner was really helpful with my various emails and I can recommend him and his car. It was only down to colour and getting the right deal for me which swayed me down another path with my search. I’ll get some pics of my new 650s on here and some history and post purchase experience etc. In due course. Happy to help with answering any questions you might have. 👍
I’ve seen quite a few 650s spiders for sale and can also recommend a really nice volcano red one which is being sold for another member on here. The owner was really helpful with my various emails and I can recommend him and his car. It was only down to colour and getting the right deal for me which swayed me down another path with my search. I’ll get some pics of my new 650s on here and some history and post purchase experience etc. In due course. Happy to help with answering any questions you might have. 👍
Supracat said:
Hi. I’m in the process of acquiring a really nice 650s Spider which will be heading up to Central Scotland in the next few days, so have been through your current decision process. I’d previously sold a concours RS3100 Ford Capri to help make this purchase a reality.
I’ve seen quite a few 650s spiders for sale and can also recommend a really nice volcano red one which is being sold for another member on here. The owner was really helpful with my various emails and I can recommend him and his car. It was only down to colour and getting the right deal for me which swayed me down another path with my search. I’ll get some pics of my new 650s on here and some history and post purchase experience etc. In due course. Happy to help with answering any questions you might have. ??
Thank you very much for your help ! For now I'm more on the Spider because it has very few bad points. The only positive point of the Coupe in my eyes is the line a bit sexier with the full view of the engine.I’ve seen quite a few 650s spiders for sale and can also recommend a really nice volcano red one which is being sold for another member on here. The owner was really helpful with my various emails and I can recommend him and his car. It was only down to colour and getting the right deal for me which swayed me down another path with my search. I’ll get some pics of my new 650s on here and some history and post purchase experience etc. In due course. Happy to help with answering any questions you might have. ??
I prefer the coupe, never been a fan convertibles. Never had the roof off on my Elise and bought the Exige as they just looked better. I didn’t realise till I bought my 650s coupe you do gain a bit of space behind the seats to put a coat or whatever. It does say don’t not store or something to that effect on it but I’m guessing that’s to do with heavy breaking ect the stuff may fly off the shelf.
I dithered for a long time between coupe and spider, and ended up with spider.
Very glad I did - love having the roof down, and with roof up it's super quiet and civilised. It's two cars in one!
I agree that the coupe looks nicer though... but I don't really choose cars by how they look :-)
Very glad I did - love having the roof down, and with roof up it's super quiet and civilised. It's two cars in one!
I agree that the coupe looks nicer though... but I don't really choose cars by how they look :-)
Skeet3r said:
Thank you very much for your help ! For now I'm more on the Spider because it has very few bad points. The only positive point of the Coupe in my eyes is the line a bit sexier with the full view of the engine.
If you are still looking for a 650s Spider for France I might be able to help. I know of a fantastic LHD 650 spider registered from new in the uk. One owner for the last 5 years full McLaren Service history and still with McLaren warranty until Sept 21.Absolutely fully loaded:
Carbon fibre to:
front splitter
Rear bumper
Rear splitter
Wing mirrors
Engine compartment
External Side cills
Internal cills
Side scoops
Internal Carbon pack 1
Internal carbon pack 2 (rear bulkhead and door cards)
Carbon wheel
Louvred carbon fibre wings
Carbon bonnet
Also has
Lift
Rear camera
Electric heated seats
Full leather interior
Alloy oil cap
Painted calipers
Lightweight Alloys
Last serviced Sep 2020 and had new front ceramic discs under warranty. The car listed circa £270k without the CF wings or bonnet (fitted by McLaren) so would have been north of £300k at full retail. Car is shown with additional ultra lightweight alloys but I also have the original silver lightweights (and another set in black
)
Edited by Boshly on Saturday 23 January 12:54
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